Until the first half of February 2022, the total value of pangasius exports to the EU reached 20.2 million USD, up 40.2% over the same period last year. This is the most optimistic growth after many months of stagnation or plunge.
Currently, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Spain are the 4 largest pangasius export markets in the block of Vietnamese seafood enterprises, in which, the Netherlands is the largest market, accounting for 36.6% of the total export value to this market.
Over 10 years ago, the EU, as our traditional partner, was the largest pangasius export market of Vietnam. However, after reaching the "golden" time in the years 2016-2018, pangasius exports to the EU began to level off and gradually declined.
After being affected by Covid-19, many importers said they faced financial difficulties because the demand for white fish, including pangasius, in many markets of the region had not expanded, while logistics costs, transportation costs, etc., increased significantly. Many EU customers have actively requested to reduce the order quantity, cancel or postpone orders that have already been or are about to be signed. In addition, FOB importers face difficulties due to high sea freight costs, hence although pangasius prices in the EU are still stable, many importers are hesitant to purchase.
Due to higher demands from EU customers, while the repurchase price is not very attractive, in 2021, many enterprises which once had a competitive advantage when exporting to the EU moved to other markets such as China, Mexico, Brazil, Egypt, Colombia, and Thailand. That is also the reason why pangasius export value to the EU decreased continuously.
At the beginning of this year, pangasius export value to the EU is experiencing positive growth again, which is promising for many businesses that would like to return to this market. Although in the past few months, the export value of pangasius to many European countries has been downsized or interrupted, this is still considered a large and important market for Vietnamese enterprises. Compiled by Minh Trang
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 1.069 billion, up 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025. This is a positive result amid an uneven global shrimp market recovery, intensifying competition among major suppliers, and continued volatility in the international trade environment. However, this growth does not reflect a broad-based recovery across the entire sector, but rather is driven mainly by strong performance in a few markets and specific product segments—most notably lobster exports to China.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports continued to decline in March 2026. Cumulatively, in the first three months of the year, export value reached USD 208 million, down 4% compared to the same period in 2025. The export landscape shows clear divergence across markets: while the U.S. and EU remain challenging, markets such as Russia, the Middle East, Egypt, the Philippines, and Mexico have emerged as growth bright spots.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Quang Ngai Province, shrimp farming costs are rising sharply due to लगातार increases in feed, fuel, and input material prices, while farm-gate shrimp prices are declining. This has significantly reduced farmers’ profit margins and increased production risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia exports are experiencing impressive growth, reflecting expanding global demand as well as the sector’s development potential. However, behind the strong growth figures lie limitations in production capacity and supply chains, highlighting the need for sustainable development in the coming period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius exports to the Middle East in 2025 and early 2026 have shown notable growth. However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the region have increasingly impacted export activities since March. This situation presents a challenge of balancing market expansion opportunities with rising trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Environment has instructed localities to base their stocking schedules on actual conditions in each farming area, while developing plans, allocating resources, and implementing synchronized measures for disease prevention and disaster risk management in aquaculture production.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first two months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cakes and surimi exceeded USD 45 million, up 7% compared to the same period in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for this product segment amid recovering demand in many markets.
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